103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY State of Illinois 2023 and 2024 HB1437 Introduced , by Rep. Lawrence "Larry" Walsh, Jr. SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED: 225 ILCS 90/33.5 new Amends the Illinois Physical Therapy Act. Provides that the State of Illinois ratifies and approves the Physical Therapy Licensure Compact. Provides that the purpose of the Compact is to facilitate interstate practice of physical therapy with the goal of improving public access to physical therapy services, and states that the Compact preserves the regulatory authority of states to protect public health and safety through the current system of state licensure. In the Compact, contains provisions concerning definitions, state participation in the Compact, active duty military personnel and their spouses, adverse actions, establishment of the Physical Therapy Compact Commission, a data system, rulemaking, oversight, dispute resolution, and enforcement, date of implementation, withdrawal, construction, and severability. LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b A BILL FOR 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY State of Illinois 2023 and 2024 HB1437 Introduced , by Rep. Lawrence "Larry" Walsh, Jr. SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED: 225 ILCS 90/33.5 new 225 ILCS 90/33.5 new Amends the Illinois Physical Therapy Act. Provides that the State of Illinois ratifies and approves the Physical Therapy Licensure Compact. Provides that the purpose of the Compact is to facilitate interstate practice of physical therapy with the goal of improving public access to physical therapy services, and states that the Compact preserves the regulatory authority of states to protect public health and safety through the current system of state licensure. In the Compact, contains provisions concerning definitions, state participation in the Compact, active duty military personnel and their spouses, adverse actions, establishment of the Physical Therapy Compact Commission, a data system, rulemaking, oversight, dispute resolution, and enforcement, date of implementation, withdrawal, construction, and severability. LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b A BILL FOR 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY State of Illinois 2023 and 2024 HB1437 Introduced , by Rep. Lawrence "Larry" Walsh, Jr. SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED: 225 ILCS 90/33.5 new 225 ILCS 90/33.5 new 225 ILCS 90/33.5 new Amends the Illinois Physical Therapy Act. Provides that the State of Illinois ratifies and approves the Physical Therapy Licensure Compact. Provides that the purpose of the Compact is to facilitate interstate practice of physical therapy with the goal of improving public access to physical therapy services, and states that the Compact preserves the regulatory authority of states to protect public health and safety through the current system of state licensure. In the Compact, contains provisions concerning definitions, state participation in the Compact, active duty military personnel and their spouses, adverse actions, establishment of the Physical Therapy Compact Commission, a data system, rulemaking, oversight, dispute resolution, and enforcement, date of implementation, withdrawal, construction, and severability. LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b A BILL FOR HB1437LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b HB1437 LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b HB1437 LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b 1 AN ACT concerning regulation. 2 Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, 3 represented in the General Assembly: 4 Section 5. The Illinois Physical Therapy Act is amended by 5 adding Section 33.5 as follows: 6 (225 ILCS 90/33.5 new) 7 Sec. 33.5. Physical Therapy Licensure Compact. The State 8 of Illinois ratifies and approves the following Compact: 9 PHYSICAL THERAPY LICENSURE COMPACT 10 SECTION 1. PURPOSE 11 The purpose of this Compact is to facilitate interstate 12 practice of physical therapy with the goal of improving public 13 access to physical therapy services. The practice of physical 14 therapy occurs in the state where the patient/client is 15 located at the time of the patient/client encounter. The 16 Compact preserves the regulatory authority of states to 17 protect public health and safety through the current system of 18 state licensure. 19 This Compact is designed to achieve the following 20 objectives: 21 1. Increase public access to physical therapy services 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY State of Illinois 2023 and 2024 HB1437 Introduced , by Rep. Lawrence "Larry" Walsh, Jr. SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED: 225 ILCS 90/33.5 new 225 ILCS 90/33.5 new 225 ILCS 90/33.5 new Amends the Illinois Physical Therapy Act. Provides that the State of Illinois ratifies and approves the Physical Therapy Licensure Compact. Provides that the purpose of the Compact is to facilitate interstate practice of physical therapy with the goal of improving public access to physical therapy services, and states that the Compact preserves the regulatory authority of states to protect public health and safety through the current system of state licensure. In the Compact, contains provisions concerning definitions, state participation in the Compact, active duty military personnel and their spouses, adverse actions, establishment of the Physical Therapy Compact Commission, a data system, rulemaking, oversight, dispute resolution, and enforcement, date of implementation, withdrawal, construction, and severability. LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b A BILL FOR 225 ILCS 90/33.5 new LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b HB1437 LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b HB1437- 2 -LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b HB1437 - 2 - LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b HB1437 - 2 - LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b 1 by providing for the mutual recognition of other member 2 state licenses; 3 2. Enhance the states' ability to protect the public's 4 health and safety; 5 3. Encourage the cooperation of member states in 6 regulating multi-state physical therapy practice; 7 4. Support spouses of relocating military members; 8 5. Enhance the exchange of licensure, investigative, 9 and disciplinary information between member states; and 10 6. Allow a remote state to hold a provider of services 11 with a compact privilege in that state accountable to that 12 state's practice standards. 13 SECTION 2. DEFINITIONS 14 As used in this Compact, and except as otherwise provided, 15 the following definitions shall apply: 16 1. "Active Duty Military" means full-time duty status in 17 the active uniformed service of the United States, including 18 members of the National Guard and Reserve on active duty 19 orders pursuant to 10 U.S.C. Section 1209 and 1211. 20 2. "Adverse Action" means disciplinary action taken by a 21 physical therapy licensing board based upon misconduct, 22 unacceptable performance, or a combination of both. 23 3. "Alternative Program" means a non-disciplinary 24 monitoring or practice remediation process approved by a 25 physical therapy licensing board. This includes, but is not HB1437 - 2 - LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b HB1437- 3 -LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b HB1437 - 3 - LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b HB1437 - 3 - LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b 1 limited to, substance abuse issues. 2 4. "Compact privilege" means the authorization granted by 3 a remote state to allow a licensee from another member state to 4 practice as a physical therapist or work as a physical 5 therapist assistant in the remote state under its laws and 6 rules. The practice of physical therapy occurs in the member 7 state where the patient/client is located at the time of the 8 patient/client encounter. 9 5. "Continuing competence" means a requirement, as a 10 condition of license renewal, to provide evidence of 11 participation in, and/or completion of, educational and 12 professional activities relevant to practice or area of work. 13 6. "Data system" means a repository of information about 14 licensees, including examination, licensure, investigative, 15 compact privilege, and adverse action. 16 7. "Encumbered license" means a license that a physical 17 therapy licensing board has limited in any way. 18 8. "Executive Board" means a group of directors elected or 19 appointed to act on behalf of, and within the powers granted to 20 them by, the Commission. 21 9. "Home state" means the member state that is the 22 licensee's primary state of residence. 23 10. "Investigative information" means information, 24 records, and documents received or generated by a physical 25 therapy licensing board pursuant to an investigation. 26 11. "Jurisprudence Requirement" means the assessment of an HB1437 - 3 - LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b HB1437- 4 -LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b HB1437 - 4 - LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b HB1437 - 4 - LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b 1 individual's knowledge of the laws and rules governing the 2 practice of physical therapy in a state. 3 12. "Licensee" means an individual who currently holds an 4 authorization from the state to practice as a physical 5 therapist or to work as a physical therapist assistant. 6 13. "Member state" means a state that has enacted the 7 Compact. 8 14. "Party state" means any member state in which a 9 licensee holds a current license or compact privilege or is 10 applying for a license or compact privilege. 11 15. "Physical therapist" means an individual who is 12 licensed by a state to practice physical therapy. 13 16. "Physical therapist assistant" means an individual who 14 is licensed/certified by a state and who assists the physical 15 therapist in selected components of physical therapy. 16 17. "Physical therapy," "physical therapy practice," and 17 "the practice of physical therapy" mean the care and services 18 provided by or under the direction and supervision of a 19 licensed physical therapist. 20 18. "Physical Therapy Compact Commission" or "Commission" 21 means the national administrative body whose membership 22 consists of all states that have enacted the Compact. 23 19. "Physical therapy licensing board" or "licensing 24 board" means the agency of a state that is responsible for the 25 licensing and regulation of physical therapists and physical 26 therapist assistants. HB1437 - 4 - LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b HB1437- 5 -LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b HB1437 - 5 - LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b HB1437 - 5 - LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b 1 20. "Remote State" means a member state other than the 2 home state, where a licensee is exercising or seeking to 3 exercise the compact privilege. 4 21. "Rule" means a regulation, principle, or directive 5 promulgated by the Commission that has the force of law. 6 22. "State" means any state, commonwealth, district, or 7 territory of the United States of America that regulates the 8 practice of physical therapy. 9 SECTION 3. STATE PARTICIPATION IN THE COMPACT 10 A. To participate in the Compact, a state must: 11 1. Participate fully in the Commission's data system, 12 including using the Commission's unique identifier as 13 defined in rules; 14 2. Have a mechanism in place for receiving and 15 investigating complaints about licensees; 16 3. Notify the Commission, in compliance with the terms 17 of the Compact and rules, of any adverse action or the 18 availability of investigative information regarding a 19 licensee; 20 4. Fully implement a criminal background check 21 requirement, within a time frame established by rule, by 22 receiving the results of the Federal Bureau of 23 Investigation record search on criminal background checks 24 and use the results in making licensure decisions in 25 accordance with Section 3.B.; HB1437 - 5 - LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b HB1437- 6 -LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b HB1437 - 6 - LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b HB1437 - 6 - LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b 1 5. Comply with the rules of the Commission; 2 6. Utilize a recognized national examination as a 3 requirement for licensure pursuant to the rules of the 4 Commission; and 5 7. Have continuing competence requirements as a 6 condition for license renewal. 7 B. Upon adoption of this statute, the member state shall 8 have the authority to obtain biometric-based information from 9 each physical therapy licensure applicant and submit this 10 information to the Federal Bureau of Investigation for a 11 criminal background check in accordance with 28 U.S.C. 534 12 and 42 U.S.C. 14616. 13 C. A member state shall grant the compact privilege to a 14 licensee holding a valid unencumbered license in another 15 member state in accordance with the terms of the Compact and 16 rules. 17 D. Member states may charge a fee for granting a compact 18 privilege 19 SECTION 4. COMPACT PRIVILEGE 20 A. To exercise the compact privilege under the terms and 21 provisions of the Compact, the licensee shall: 22 1. Hold a license in the home state; 23 2. Have no encumbrance on any state license; 24 3. Be eligible for a compact privilege in any member 25 state in accordance with Section 4D, G and H; HB1437 - 6 - LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b HB1437- 7 -LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b HB1437 - 7 - LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b HB1437 - 7 - LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b 1 4. Have not had any adverse action against any license 2 or compact privilege within the previous 2 years; 3 5. Notify the Commission that the licensee is seeking 4 the compact privilege within a remote state(s); 5 6. Pay any applicable fees, including any state fee, 6 for the compact privilege; 7 7. Meet any jurisprudence requirements established by 8 the remote state(s) in which the licensee is seeking a 9 compact privilege; and 10 8. Report to the Commission adverse action taken by 11 any non-member state within 30 days from the date the 12 adverse action is taken. 13 B. The compact privilege is valid until the expiration 14 date of the home license. The licensee must comply with the 15 requirements of Section 4.A. to maintain the compact privilege 16 in the remote state. 17 C. A licensee providing physical therapy in a remote state 18 under the compact privilege shall function within the laws and 19 regulations of the remote state. 20 D. A licensee providing physical therapy in a remote state 21 is subject to that state's regulatory authority. A remote 22 state may, in accordance with due process and that state's 23 laws, remove a licensee's compact privilege in the remote 24 state for a specific period of time, impose fines, and/or take 25 any other necessary actions to protect the health and safety 26 of its citizens. The licensee is not eligible for a compact HB1437 - 7 - LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b HB1437- 8 -LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b HB1437 - 8 - LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b HB1437 - 8 - LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b 1 privilege in any state until the specific time for removal has 2 passed and all fines are paid. 3 E. If a home state license is encumbered, the licensee 4 shall lose the compact privilege in any remote state until the 5 following occur: 6 1. The home state license is no longer encumbered; and 7 2. Two years have elapsed from the date of the adverse 8 action. 9 F. Once an encumbered license in the home state is 10 restored to good standing, the licensee must meet the 11 requirements of Section 4A to obtain a compact privilege in 12 any remote state. 13 G. If a licensee's compact privilege in any remote state 14 is removed, the individual shall lose the compact privilege in 15 any remote state until the following occur: 16 1. The specific period of time for which the compact 17 privilege was removed has ended; 18 2. All fines have been paid; and 19 3. Two years have elapsed from the date of the adverse 20 action. 21 H. Once the requirements of Section 4G have been met, the 22 license must meet the requirements in Section 4A to obtain a 23 compact privilege in a remote state. 24 SECTION 5. ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY PERSONNEL OR THEIR SPOUSES 25 A licensee who is active duty military or is the spouse of HB1437 - 8 - LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b HB1437- 9 -LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b HB1437 - 9 - LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b HB1437 - 9 - LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b 1 an individual who is active duty military may designate one of 2 the following as the home state: 3 A. Home of record; 4 B. Permanent Change of Station (PCS); or 5 C. State of current residence if it is different than the 6 PCS state or home of record. 7 SECTION 6. ADVERSE ACTIONS 8 A. A home state shall have exclusive power to impose 9 adverse action against a license issued by the home state. 10 B. A home state may take adverse action based on the 11 investigative information of a remote state, so long as the 12 home state follows its own procedures for imposing adverse 13 action. 14 C. Nothing in this Compact shall override a member state's 15 decision that participation in an alternative program may be 16 used in lieu of adverse action and that such participation 17 shall remain non-public if required by the member state's 18 laws. Member states must require licensees who enter any 19 alternative programs in lieu of discipline to agree not to 20 practice in any other member state during the term of the 21 alternative program without prior authorization from such 22 other member state. 23 D. Any member state may investigate actual or alleged 24 violations of the statutes and rules authorizing the practice 25 of physical therapy in any other member state in which a HB1437 - 9 - LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b HB1437- 10 -LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b HB1437 - 10 - LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b HB1437 - 10 - LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b 1 physical therapist or physical therapist assistant holds a 2 license or compact privilege. 3 E. A remote state shall have the authority to: 4 1. Take adverse actions as set forth in Section 4.D. 5 against a licensee's compact privilege in the state; 6 2. Issue subpoenas for both hearings and 7 investigations that require the attendance and testimony 8 of witnesses, and the production of evidence. Subpoenas 9 issued by a physical therapy licensing board in a party 10 state for the attendance and testimony of witnesses, 11 and/or the production of evidence from another party 12 state, shall be enforced in the latter state by any court 13 of competent jurisdiction, according to the practice and 14 procedure of that court applicable to subpoenas issued in 15 proceedings pending before it. The issuing authority shall 16 pay any witness fees, travel expenses, mileage, and other 17 fees required by the service statutes of the state where 18 the witnesses and/or evidence are located; and 19 3. If otherwise permitted by state law, recover from 20 the licensee the costs of investigations and disposition 21 of cases resulting from any adverse action taken against 22 that licensee. 23 F. Joint Investigations 24 1. In addition to the authority granted to a member 25 state by its respective physical therapy practice act or 26 other applicable state law, a member state may participate HB1437 - 10 - LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b HB1437- 11 -LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b HB1437 - 11 - LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b HB1437 - 11 - LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b 1 with other member states in joint investigations of 2 licensees. 3 2. Member states shall share any investigative, 4 litigation, or compliance materials in furtherance of any 5 joint or individual investigation initiated under the 6 Compact. 7 SECTION 7. ESTABLISHMENT OF THE PHYSICAL THERAPY COMPACT 8 COMMISSION 9 A. The Compact member states hereby create and establish a 10 joint public agency known as the Physical Therapy Compact 11 Commission: 12 1. The Commission is an instrumentality of the Compact 13 states. 14 2. Venue is proper and judicial proceedings by or 15 against the Commission shall be brought solely and 16 exclusively in a court of competent jurisdiction where the 17 principal office of the Commission is located. The 18 Commission may waive venue and jurisdictional defenses to 19 the extent it adopts or consents to participate in 20 alternative dispute resolution proceedings. 21 3. Nothing in this Compact shall be construed to be a 22 waiver of sovereign immunity. 23 B. Membership, Voting, and Meetings 24 1. Each member state shall have and be limited to one 25 (1) delegate selected by that member state's licensing HB1437 - 11 - LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b HB1437- 12 -LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b HB1437 - 12 - LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b HB1437 - 12 - LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b 1 board. 2 2. The delegate shall be a current member of the 3 licensing board, who is a physical therapist, physical 4 therapist assistant, public member, or the board 5 administrator. 6 3. Any delegate may be removed or suspended from 7 office as provided by the law of the state from which the 8 delegate is appointed. 9 4. The member state board shall fill any vacancy 10 occurring in the Commission. 11 5. Each delegate shall be entitled to one (1) vote 12 with regard to the promulgation of rules and creation of 13 bylaws and shall otherwise have an opportunity to 14 participate in the business and affairs of the Commission. 15 6. A delegate shall vote in person or by such other 16 means as provided in the bylaws. The bylaws may provide 17 for delegates' participation in meetings by telephone or 18 other means of communication. 19 7. The Commission shall meet at least once during each 20 calendar year. Additional meetings shall be held as set 21 forth in the bylaws. 22 C. The Commission shall have the following powers and 23 duties: 24 1. Establish the fiscal year of the Commission; 25 2. Establish bylaws; 26 3. Maintain its financial records in accordance with HB1437 - 12 - LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b HB1437- 13 -LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b HB1437 - 13 - LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b HB1437 - 13 - LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b 1 the bylaws; 2 4. Meet and take such actions as are consistent with 3 the provisions of this Compact and the bylaws; 4 5. Promulgate uniform rules to facilitate and 5 coordinate implementation and administration of this 6 Compact. The rules shall have the force and effect of law 7 and shall be binding in all member states; 8 6. Bring and prosecute legal proceedings or actions in 9 the name of the Commission, provided that the standing of 10 any state physical therapy licensing board to sue or be 11 sued under applicable law shall not be affected; 12 7. Purchase and maintain insurance and bonds; 13 8. Borrow, accept, or contract for services of 14 personnel, including, but not limited to, employees of a 15 member state; 16 9. Hire employees, elect or appoint officers, fix 17 compensation, define duties, grant such individuals 18 appropriate authority to carry out the purposes of the 19 Compact, and to establish the Commission's personnel 20 policies and programs relating to conflicts of interest, 21 qualifications of personnel, and other related personnel 22 matters; 23 10. Accept any and all appropriate donations and 24 grants of money, equipment, supplies, materials and 25 services, and to receive, utilize and dispose of the same; 26 provided that at all times the Commission shall avoid any HB1437 - 13 - LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b HB1437- 14 -LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b HB1437 - 14 - LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b HB1437 - 14 - LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b 1 appearance of impropriety and/or conflict of interest; 2 11. Lease, purchase, accept appropriate gifts or 3 donations of, or otherwise to own, hold, improve or use, 4 any property, real, personal or mixed; provided that at 5 all times the Commission shall avoid any appearance of 6 impropriety; 7 12. Sell convey, mortgage, pledge, lease, exchange, 8 abandon, or otherwise dispose of any property real, 9 personal, or mixed; 10 13. Establish a budget and make expenditures; 11 14. Borrow money; 12 15. Appoint committees, including standing committees 13 composed of members, state regulators, state legislators 14 or their representatives, and consumer representatives, 15 and such other interested persons as may be designated in 16 this Compact and the bylaws; 17 16. Provide and receive information from, and 18 cooperate with, law enforcement agencies; 19 17. Establish and elect an Executive Board; and 20 18. Perform such other functions as may be necessary 21 or appropriate to achieve the purposes of this Compact 22 consistent with the state regulation of physical therapy 23 licensure and practice. 24 D. The Executive Board 25 The Executive Board shall have the power to act on behalf 26 of the Commission according to the terms of this Compact HB1437 - 14 - LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b HB1437- 15 -LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b HB1437 - 15 - LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b HB1437 - 15 - LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b 1 1. The Executive Board shall be composed of nine 2 members: 3 a. Seven voting members who are elected by the 4 Commission from the current membership of the 5 Commission; 6 b. One ex-officio, nonvoting member from the 7 recognized national physical therapy professional 8 association; and 9 c. One ex-officio, nonvoting member from the 10 recognized membership organization of the physical 11 therapy licensing boards. 12 2. The ex-officio members will be selected by their 13 respective organizations. 14 3. The Commission may remove any member of the 15 Executive Board as provided in bylaws. 16 4. The Executive Board shall meet at least annually. 17 5. The Executive Board shall have the following Duties 18 and responsibilities: 19 a. Recommend to the entire Commission changes to 20 the rules or bylaws, changes to this Compact 21 legislation, fees paid by Compact member states such 22 as annual dues, and any commission Compact fee charged 23 to licensees for the compact privilege; 24 b. Ensure Compact administration services are 25 appropriately provided, contractual or otherwise; 26 c. Prepare and recommend the budget; HB1437 - 15 - LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b HB1437- 16 -LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b HB1437 - 16 - LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b HB1437 - 16 - LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b 1 d. Maintain financial records on behalf of the 2 Commission; 3 e. Monitor Compact compliance of member states and 4 provide compliance reports to the Commission; 5 f. Establish additional committees as necessary; 6 and 7 g. Other duties as provided in rules or bylaws. 8 E. Meetings of the Commission 9 1. All meetings shall be open to the public, and 10 public notice of meetings shall be given in the same 11 manner as required under the rulemaking provisions in 12 Section 9. 13 2. The Commission or the Executive Board or other 14 committees of the Commission may convene in a closed, 15 non-public meeting if the Commission or Executive Board or 16 other committees of the Commission must discuss: 17 a. Non-compliance of a member state with its 18 obligations under the Compact; 19 b. The employment, compensation, discipline or 20 other matters, practices or procedures related to 21 specific employees or other matters related to the 22 Commission's internal personnel practices and 23 procedures; 24 c. Current, threatened, or reasonably anticipated 25 litigation; 26 d. Negotiation of contracts for the purchase, HB1437 - 16 - LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b HB1437- 17 -LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b HB1437 - 17 - LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b HB1437 - 17 - LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b 1 lease, or sale of goods, services, or real estate; 2 e. Accusing any person of a crime or formally 3 censuring any person; 4 f. Disclosure of trade secrets or commercial or 5 financial information that is privileged or 6 confidential; 7 g. Disclosure of information of a personal nature 8 where disclosure would constitute a clearly 9 unwarranted invasion of personal privacy; 10 h. Disclosure of investigative records compiled 11 for law enforcement purposes; 12 i. Disclosure of information related to any 13 investigative reports prepared by or on behalf of or 14 for use of the Commission or other committee charged 15 with responsibility of investigation or determination 16 of compliance issues pursuant to the Compact; or 17 j. Matters specifically exempted from disclosure 18 by federal or member state statute. 19 3. If a meeting, or portion of a meeting, is closed 20 pursuant to this provision, the Commission's legal counsel 21 or designee shall certify that the meeting may be closed 22 and shall reference each relevant exempting provision. 23 4. The Commission shall keep minutes that fully and 24 clearly describe all matters discussed in a meeting and 25 shall provide a full and accurate summary of actions 26 taken, and the reasons therefore, including a description HB1437 - 17 - LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b HB1437- 18 -LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b HB1437 - 18 - LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b HB1437 - 18 - LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b 1 of the views expressed. All documents considered in 2 connection with an action shall be identified in such 3 minutes. All minutes and documents of a closed meeting 4 shall remain under seal, subject to release by a majority 5 vote of the Commission or order of a court of competent 6 jurisdiction. 7 F. Financing of the Commission 8 1. The Commission shall pay, or provide for the 9 payment of, the reasonable expenses of its establishment, 10 organization, and ongoing activities. 11 2. The Commission may accept any and all appropriate 12 revenue sources, donations, and grants of money, 13 equipment, supplies, materials, and services. 14 3. The Commission may levy on and collect an annual 15 assessment from each member state or impose fees on other 16 parties to cover the cost of the operations and activities 17 of the Commission and its staff, which must be in a total 18 amount sufficient to cover its annual budget as approved 19 each year for which revenue is not provided by other 20 sources. The aggregate annual assessment amount shall be 21 allocated based upon a formula to be determined by the 22 Commission, which shall promulgate a rule binding upon all 23 member states. 24 4. The Commission shall not incur obligations of any 25 kind prior to securing the funds adequate to meet the 26 same; nor shall the Commission pledge the credit of any of HB1437 - 18 - LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b HB1437- 19 -LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b HB1437 - 19 - LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b HB1437 - 19 - LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b 1 the member states, except by and with the authority of the 2 member state. 3 5. The Commission shall keep accurate accounts of all 4 receipts and disbursements. The receipts and disbursements 5 of the Commission shall be subject to the audit and 6 accounting procedures established under its bylaws. 7 However, all receipts and disbursements of funds handled 8 by the Commission shall be audited yearly by a certified 9 or licensed public accountant, and the report of the audit 10 shall be included in and become part of the annual report 11 of the Commission. 12 G. Qualified Immunity, Defense, and Indemnification 13 1. The members, officers, executive director, 14 employees and representatives of the Commission shall be 15 immune from suit and liability, either personally or in 16 their official capacity, for any claim for damage to or 17 loss of property or personal injury or other civil 18 liability caused by or arising out of any actual or 19 alleged act, error or omission that occurred, or that the 20 person against whom the claim is made had a reasonable 21 basis for believing occurred within the scope of 22 Commission employment, duties or responsibilities; 23 provided that nothing in this paragraph shall be construed 24 to protect any such person from suit and/or liability for 25 any damage, loss, injury, or liability caused by the 26 intentional or willful or wanton misconduct of that HB1437 - 19 - LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b HB1437- 20 -LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b HB1437 - 20 - LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b HB1437 - 20 - LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b 1 person. 2 2. The Commission shall defend any member, officer, 3 executive director, employee or representative of the 4 Commission in any civil action seeking to impose liability 5 arising out of any actual or alleged act, error, or 6 omission that occurred within the scope of Commission 7 employment, duties, or responsibilities, or that the 8 person against whom the claim is made had a reasonable 9 basis for believing occurred within the scope of 10 Commission employment, duties, or responsibilities; 11 provided that nothing herein shall be construed to 12 prohibit that person from retaining his or her own 13 counsel; and provided further, that the actual or alleged 14 act, error, or omission did not result from that person's 15 intentional or willful or wanton misconduct. 16 3. The Commission shall indemnify and hold harmless 17 any member, officer, executive director, employee, or 18 representative of the Commission for the amount of any 19 settlement or judgment obtained against that person 20 arising out of any actual or alleged act, error or 21 omission that occurred within the scope of Commission 22 employment, duties, or responsibilities, or that such 23 person had a reasonable basis for believing occurred 24 within the scope of Commission employment, duties, or 25 responsibilities, provided that the actual or alleged act, 26 error, or omission did not result from the intentional or HB1437 - 20 - LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b HB1437- 21 -LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b HB1437 - 21 - LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b HB1437 - 21 - LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b 1 willful or wanton misconduct of that person. 2 SECTION 8. DATA SYSTEM 3 A. The Commission shall provide for the development, 4 maintenance, and utilization of a coordinated database and 5 reporting system containing licensure, adverse action, and 6 investigative information on all licensed individuals in 7 member states. 8 B. Notwithstanding any other provision of state law to the 9 contrary, a member state shall submit a uniform data set to the 10 data system on all individuals to whom this Compact is 11 applicable as required by the rules of the Commission, 12 including: 13 1. Identifying information; 14 2. Licensure data; 15 3. Adverse actions against a license or compact 16 privilege; 17 4. Non-confidential information related to alternative 18 program participation; 19 5. Any denial of application for licensure, and the 20 reason(s) for such denial; and 21 6. Other information that may facilitate the 22 administration of this Compact, as determined by the rules 23 of the Commission. 24 C. Investigative information pertaining to a licensee in 25 any member state will only be available to other party states. HB1437 - 21 - LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b HB1437- 22 -LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b HB1437 - 22 - LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b HB1437 - 22 - LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b 1 D. The Commission shall promptly notify all member states 2 of any adverse action taken against a licensee or an 3 individual applying for a license. Adverse action information 4 pertaining to a licensee in any member state will be available 5 to any other member state. 6 E. Member states contributing information to the data 7 system may designate information that may not be shared with 8 the public without the express permission of the contributing 9 state. 10 F. Any information submitted to the data system that is 11 subsequently required to be expunged by the laws of the member 12 state contributing the information shall be removed from the 13 data system. 14 SECTION 9. RULEMAKING 15 A. The Commission shall exercise its rulemaking powers 16 pursuant to the criteria set forth in this Section and the 17 rules adopted thereunder. Rules and amendments shall become 18 binding as of the date specified in each rule or amendment. 19 B. If a majority of the legislatures of the member states 20 rejects a rule, by enactment of a statute or resolution in the 21 same manner used to adopt the Compact within 4 years of the 22 date of adoption of the rule, then such rule shall have no 23 further force and effect in any member state. 24 C. Rules or amendments to the rules shall be adopted at a 25 regular or special meeting of the Commission. HB1437 - 22 - LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b HB1437- 23 -LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b HB1437 - 23 - LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b HB1437 - 23 - LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b 1 D. Prior to promulgation and adoption of a final rule or 2 rules by the Commission, and at least thirty (30) days in 3 advance of the meeting at which the rule will be considered and 4 voted upon, the Commission shall file a Notice of Proposed 5 Rulemaking: 6 1. On the website of the Commission or other publicly 7 accessible platform; and 8 2. On the website of each member state physical 9 therapy licensing board or other publicly accessible 10 platform or the publication in which each state would 11 otherwise publish proposed rules. 12 E. The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking shall include: 13 1. The proposed time, date, and location of the 14 meeting in which the rule will be considered and voted 15 upon; 16 2. The text of the proposed rule or amendment and the 17 reason for the proposed rule; 18 3. A request for comments on the proposed rule from 19 any interested person; and 20 4. The manner in which interested persons may submit 21 notice to the Commission of their intention to attend the 22 public hearing and any written comments. 23 F. Prior to adoption of a proposed rule, the Commission 24 shall allow persons to submit written data, facts, opinions, 25 and arguments, which shall be made available to the public. 26 G. The Commission shall grant an opportunity for a public HB1437 - 23 - LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b HB1437- 24 -LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b HB1437 - 24 - LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b HB1437 - 24 - LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b 1 hearing before it adopts a rule or amendment if a hearing is 2 requested by: 3 1. At least twenty-five (25) persons; 4 2. A state or federal governmental subdivision or 5 agency; or 6 3. An association having at least twenty-five (25) 7 members. 8 H. If a hearing is held on the proposed rule or amendment, 9 the Commission shall publish the place, time, and date of the 10 scheduled public hearing. If the hearing is held via 11 electronic means, the Commission shall publish the mechanism 12 for access to the electronic hearing. 13 1. All persons wishing to be heard at the hearing 14 shall notify the executive director of the Commission or 15 other designated member in writing of their desire to 16 appear and testify at the hearing not less than five (5) 17 business days before the scheduled date of the hearing. 18 2. Hearings shall be conducted in a manner providing 19 each person who wishes to comment a fair and reasonable 20 opportunity to comment orally or in writing. 21 3. All hearings will be recorded. A copy of the 22 recording will be made available on request. 23 4. Nothing in this section shall be construed as 24 requiring a separate hearing on each rule. Rules may be 25 grouped for the convenience of the Commission at hearings 26 required by this Section. HB1437 - 24 - LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b HB1437- 25 -LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b HB1437 - 25 - LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b HB1437 - 25 - LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b 1 I. Following the scheduled hearing date, or by the close 2 of business on the scheduled hearing date if the hearing was 3 not held, the Commission shall consider all written and oral 4 comments received. 5 J. If no written notice of intent to attend the public 6 hearing by interested parties is received, the Commission may 7 proceed with promulgation of the proposed rule without a 8 public hearing. 9 K. The Commission shall, by majority vote of all members, 10 take final action on the proposed rule and shall determine the 11 effective date of the rule, if any, based on the rulemaking 12 record and the full text of the rule. 13 L. Upon determination that an emergency exists, the 14 Commission may consider and adopt an emergency rule without 15 prior notice, opportunity for comment, or hearing, provided 16 that the usual rulemaking procedures provided in the Compact 17 and in this section shall be retroactively applied to the rule 18 as soon as reasonably possible, in no event later than ninety 19 (90) days after the effective date of the rule. For the 20 purposes of this provision, an emergency rule is one that must 21 be adopted immediately in order to: 22 1. Meet an imminent threat to public health, safety, 23 or welfare; 24 2. Prevent a loss of Commission or member state funds; 25 3. Meet a deadline for the promulgation of an 26 administrative rule that is established by federal law or HB1437 - 25 - LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b HB1437- 26 -LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b HB1437 - 26 - LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b HB1437 - 26 - LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b 1 rule; or 2 4. Protect public health and safety. 3 M. The Commission or an authorized committee of the 4 Commission may direct revisions to a previously adopted rule 5 or amendment for purposes of correcting typographical errors, 6 errors in format, errors in consistency, or grammatical 7 errors. Public notice of any revisions shall be posted on the 8 website of the Commission. The revision shall be subject to 9 challenge by any person for a period of thirty (30) days after 10 posting. The revision may be challenged only on grounds that 11 the revision results in a material change to a rule. A 12 challenge shall be made in writing, and delivered to the chair 13 of the Commission prior to the end of the notice period. If no 14 challenge is made, the revision will take effect without 15 further action. If the revision is challenged, the revision 16 may not take effect without the approval of the Commission. 17 SECTION 10. OVERSIGHT, DISPUTE RESOLUTION, AND ENFORCEMENT 18 A. Oversight 19 1. The executive, legislative, and judicial branches 20 of state government in each member state shall enforce 21 this Compact and take all actions necessary and 22 appropriate to effectuate the Compact's purposes and 23 intent. The provisions of this Compact and the rules 24 promulgated hereunder shall have standing as statutory 25 law. HB1437 - 26 - LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b HB1437- 27 -LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b HB1437 - 27 - LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b HB1437 - 27 - LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b 1 2. All courts shall take judicial notice of the 2 Compact and the rules in any judicial or administrative 3 proceeding in a member state pertaining to the subject 4 matter of this Compact which may affect the powers, 5 responsibilities or actions of the Commission. 6 3. The Commission shall be entitled to receive service 7 of process in any such proceeding, and shall have standing 8 to intervene in such a proceeding for all purposes. 9 Failure to provide service of process to the Commission 10 shall render a judgment or order void as to the 11 Commission, this Compact, or promulgated rules. 12 B. Default, Technical Assistance, and Termination 13 1. If the Commission determines that a member state 14 has defaulted in the performance of its obligations or 15 responsibilities under this Compact or the promulgated 16 rules, the Commission shall: 17 a. Provide written notice to the defaulting state 18 and other member states of the nature of the default, 19 the proposed means of curing the default and/or any 20 other action to be taken by the Commission; and 21 b. Provide remedial training and specific 22 technical assistance regarding the default. 23 2. If a state in default fails to cure the default, the 24 defaulting state may be terminated from the Compact upon 25 an affirmative vote of a majority of the member states, 26 and all rights, privileges and benefits conferred by this HB1437 - 27 - LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b HB1437- 28 -LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b HB1437 - 28 - LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b HB1437 - 28 - LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b 1 Compact may be terminated on the effective date of 2 termination. A cure of the default does not relieve the 3 offending state of obligations or liabilities incurred 4 during the period of default. 5 3. Termination of membership in the Compact shall be 6 imposed only after all other means of securing compliance 7 have been exhausted. Notice of intent to suspend or 8 terminate shall be given by the Commission to the 9 governor, the majority and minority leaders of the 10 defaulting state's legislature, and each of the member 11 states. 12 4. A state that has been terminated is responsible for 13 all assessments, obligations, and liabilities incurred 14 through the effective date of termination, including 15 obligations that extend beyond the effective date of 16 termination. 17 5. The Commission shall not bear any costs related to 18 a state that is found to be in default or that has been 19 terminated from the Compact, unless agreed upon in writing 20 between the Commission and the defaulting state. 21 6. The defaulting state may appeal the action of the 22 Commission by petitioning the U.S. District Court for the 23 District of Columbia or the federal district where the 24 Commission has its principal offices. The prevailing 25 member shall be awarded all costs of such litigation, 26 including reasonable attorney's fees. HB1437 - 28 - LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b HB1437- 29 -LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b HB1437 - 29 - LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b HB1437 - 29 - LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b 1 C. Dispute Resolution 2 1. Upon request by a member state, the Commission 3 shall attempt to resolve disputes related to the Compact 4 that arise among member states and between member and 5 non-member states. 6 2. The Commission shall promulgate a rule providing 7 for both mediation and binding dispute resolution for 8 disputes as appropriate. 9 D. Enforcement 10 1. The Commission, in the reasonable exercise of its 11 discretion, shall enforce the provisions and rules of this 12 Compact. 13 2. By majority vote, the Commission may initiate legal 14 action in the United States District Court for the 15 District of Columbia or the federal district where the 16 Commission has its principal offices against a member 17 state in default to enforce compliance with the provisions 18 of the Compact and its promulgated rules and bylaws. The 19 relief sought may include both injunctive relief and 20 damages. In the event judicial enforcement is necessary, 21 the prevailing member shall be awarded all costs of such 22 litigation, including reasonable attorney's fees. 23 3. The remedies herein shall not be the exclusive 24 remedies of the Commission. The Commission may pursue any 25 other remedies available under federal or state law. HB1437 - 29 - LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b HB1437- 30 -LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b HB1437 - 30 - LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b HB1437 - 30 - LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b 1 SECTION 11. DATE OF IMPLEMENTATION OF THE INTERSTATE 2 COMMISSION FOR PHYSICAL THERAPY PRACTICE AND ASSOCIATED RULES, 3 WITHDRAWAL, AND AMENDMENT 4 A. The Compact shall come into effect on the date on which 5 the Compact statute is enacted into law in the tenth member 6 state. The provisions, which become effective at that time, 7 shall be limited to the powers granted to the Commission 8 relating to assembly and the promulgation of rules. 9 Thereafter, the Commission shall meet and exercise rulemaking 10 powers necessary to the implementation and administration of 11 the Compact. 12 B. Any state that joins the Compact subsequent to the 13 Commission's initial adoption of the rules shall be subject to 14 the rules as they exist on the date on which the Compact 15 becomes law in that state. Any rule that has been previously 16 adopted by the Commission shall have the full force and effect 17 of law on the day the Compact becomes law in that state. 18 C. Any member state may withdraw from this Compact by 19 enacting a statute repealing the same. 20 1. A member state's withdrawal shall not take effect 21 until six (6) months after enactment of the repealing 22 statute. 23 2. Withdrawal shall not affect the continuing 24 requirement of the withdrawing state's physical therapy 25 licensing board to comply with the investigative and 26 adverse action reporting requirements of this act prior to HB1437 - 30 - LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b HB1437- 31 -LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b HB1437 - 31 - LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b HB1437 - 31 - LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b 1 the effective date of withdrawal. 2 D. Nothing contained in this Compact shall be construed to 3 invalidate or prevent any physical therapy licensure agreement 4 or other cooperative arrangement between a member state and a 5 non-member state that does not conflict with the provisions of 6 this Compact. 7 E. This Compact may be amended by the member states. No 8 amendment to this Compact shall become effective and binding 9 upon any member state until it is enacted into the laws of all 10 member states. 11 SECTION 12. CONSTRUCTION AND SEVERABILITY 12 This Compact shall be liberally construed so as to 13 effectuate the purposes thereof. The provisions of this 14 Compact shall be severable and if any phrase, clause, sentence 15 or provision of this Compact is declared to be contrary to the 16 constitution of any party state or of the United States or the 17 applicability thereof to any government, agency, person or 18 circumstance is held invalid, the validity of the remainder of 19 this Compact and the applicability thereof to any government, 20 agency, person or circumstance shall not be affected thereby. 21 If this Compact shall be held contrary to the constitution of 22 any party state, the Compact shall remain in full force and 23 effect as to the remaining party states and in full force and 24 effect as to the party state affected as to all severable 25 matters. HB1437 - 31 - LRB103 24871 AMQ 51204 b